Introduction
In the book 'The Crucible,' Arthur Miller presents Abigail as the pebble that kick starts that quick-starts the avalanche of the Salem witch trials. For instance, it is she who begins by noting that Tituba has been using some supernatural powers to corrupt her as well as her beauty. Again, she is the one who jumps on the metaphorical accusation train after Tituba has been coerced into making confessions regarding her involvement and subsequently naming co-conspirators. Even though Abigail is central to the witchcraft hysteria and the destruction of the proctor, some instances demonstrate that she is not evil but just simply in love with the proctor.
Abigail sleeps with John Proctors, not caring about his relationship because she wants to. She also wants to kill Goody Proctor and marry John Proctor, not because she is evil, but because she cares about him and wishes to increase her social status. She accuses people of witchcraft just to help her get out of trouble.
There is a deft characterization of Abigail throughput the play, especially with regards to what other characters say concerning her. For instance, the introductory part of the book gives Abigail an impression as a young and gorgeous girl. She has an important, albeit contentious relationship with the rest of the characters, which significantly shapes the various actions. As the play commences, Abigail seems to love john, although the feeling does not appear to be mutual.
Abigail is revealed as a convincing as well as an accomplished liar. She is not evil herself but rather furnishes her lies in a way that it could be believed that she is evil. Her lies are simply observed in act one where she simply changes the topic from 'we were just dancing' to 'Tituba sent her spirit and bewitched us,' Everyone is convinced and buys the lie. When she is brought into the Courtroom in Act 3, Abigail denies having lied about the spiritual torments she had undergone by affirming that Mary was lying and that, ‘Goody Proctor always kept poppets.’
Since Abigail is an orphan who hails from a family where women are not valued, she depends on her uncles' kindness. As such, she does whatever she can to avoid upsetting her uncle. Abigail's love for John Proctor makes her believe that Tituba could make some portions to kill Goody Proctor so that she could marry John. When the information almost leaks, Abigail accuses Tituba pre-emptively of trying to bewitch her and Betty to save herself.
It is also essential to note that Abigail becomes friendly to other girls, such as Mary Warren and Mercy Lewis. Abigail and Mercy appear to be friends- in –crime. For instance, the girls form a group of 'afflicted' people who accuse the rest of witchcraft, especially during the trials. Abigail no longer fears anybody in Act 3 simply because of the position and authority she has gained.
Conclusion
In conclusion, even though Abigail is central to the witchcraft hysteria and the destruction of the proctors, she is not evil. This could be attributed to the fact that she is involved in the witchcraft hysteria due to the love she has for John Proctor. Again, she is forced to engage in some lies just to protect her status and prevent her from trouble.
